We all know that when urban exploring you can get yourself into all sorts of situations. Whether that be squatters, junkies, hazardous conditions, structurally unstable buildings, etc. The main threat I feel is that I am going to come across an angry vagrant who will demand that I hand over my belongings, because of this, I usually carry a small pocket knife just to be safe. However, I always strive to avoid confrontations. I figured out that a good way to calm down a sticky situation is to simply offer him/her some cigarettes.

Do you guys bring any weapons while your exploring?

ever cut anyone before? in a real fight, for real?

Haha I've never had to use a knife against anyone. I carry it mainly as a form of intimidation .

Please. Pretty please. With sugar on top. Search. This comes up so much I'm starting to bring a gun with me every time I log in.

Wait you feel the need to bring a knife exploring, yet you think that exploring in other countries is dangerous?

Anyway the only time i would ever bring a weapon exploring is in drains, because I'm afraid of monsters.

Similar threads:

http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=79557
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=117390 (carrying a weapon while scouting)
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=116252 (finding weapons while exploring)
http://www.uer.ca/...id=1&catid=1000483 (firearms private board)
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=55013 (poll)
http://www.uer.ca/...id=1&threadid=2728 (non-lethal defense)
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=62518
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=76469
http://www.uer.ca/...d=1&threadid=79557 (Have you ever actually had to defend yourself?)

I bring a tripod. If serious shit ever went down I wouldnt think twice about slamming it into someone's head

Posted by 2Xplorations ever cut anyone before? in a real fight, for real?

This. If you're not trained in combat with edged weapons, you're way more likely to end up skewered on that thing yourself if intimidation doesn't work.

Posted by Wooly Haha I've never had to use a knife against anyone. I carry it mainly as a form of intimidation .

Intimidation? You pull a knife on someone you better be ready to use it. Knife fights are messy, expect to be cut. Worse if you don't know how to use it, you just gave your opponent a weapon to use.

Giving cigs to mugger is like saying please rob me, I'm a victim!

I bring pepper spray

Just wanted to say thank you for searching and actually posting in a already existing thread.

Posted by kevinhny12 I bring pepper spray

Pepper spray is a great in the US, but it's illegal to carry in Canada. It can carry a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment of up to 3 years.

A good way around it is to buy "dog spray" which you can get from Canadian Tire.

http://www.canadia...tm_content=Default

That way, if you get busted, you're not carrying a concealed weapon. You're just keeping yourself safe from junkyard dogs. ;)

Posted by CStar Pepper spray is a great in the US, but it's illegal to carry in Canada. It can carry a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment of up to 3 years. A good way around it is to buy "dog spray" which you can get from Canadian Tire. http://www.canadia...tm_content=Default That way, if you get busted, you're not carrying a concealed weapon. You're just keeping yourself safe from junkyard dogs. ;)

Thanks for this! I was thinking of getting pepper spray and know its illegal here. This will be a good alternative

No problem! Happy to help

Also, be sure to get "dog spray" and not "bear spray" if you're exploring in a downtown area.

Cops can argue that there's no need for bear spray in the city, but dog spray is totally logical in that context.

Posted by CStar No problem! Happy to help Also, be sure to get "dog spray" and not "bear spray" if you're exploring in a downtown area. Cops can argue that there's no need for bear spray in the city, but dog spray is totally logical in that context.

It may work. Don't bet on it though especially if they're methed up... they will probably explode all over you.
And if you're gonna carry it, spray yourself. You need to be able to work through it if you get it in your eyes, nose or mouth defending yourself.
Things just aren't that simple.

If it seems too dangerous for you, it probably is.

I would only like to have it case of an aggressive animal. I wouldnt use it on a junkie or crackhead

Posted by Imubik I would only like to have it case of an aggressive animal. I wouldnt use it on a junkie or crackhead

A walking stick is far more effective. Dogs don't concern me unless it's a pack. I dislike spraying any dog; it's pitiful to see them rubbing their eyes in the dirt trying to clean them.

They should fear you not the other way around. I had a job where I went to hundreds of properties unannounced. Ran into dozens of dogs including truly vicious ones. Most of those back down, 2 or 3 I avoided. One I drew my knife on because he charged me as I was closing a gate, he ran as soon as I opened it. Meh... dogs are easy, but they can sense fear.

Don't put yourself in situations you can't handle without a weapon. Fear and lack of experience are your biggest enemy. A weapon won't remedy that.

I just carry pepper spray and a small pocket knife.

Mostly just my handy karambit. For cutting anything, carving into sandstone, etc. Luckily I've never had to use for defense...

Something that never seems to get mentioned in these types of threads....

Carrying any weapon, regardless of what it is, that you have not or do not train with is as good as carrying no weapon at all.

And never pull out a weapon simply to intimidate. That's the quickest way to escalate a situation and/or get yourself hurt or worse.
Doug Marcaida has a philosophy that "weapons are meant to be felt not seen"
I couldn't agree more.

Your focus should be on de-escalation and escaping the threat. A weapon is an absolute last resort.

YouTube Doug if you're interested. He is a master with a blade.

Most importantly, be safe and listen to your gut. If your gut is telling you that you don't belong someplace heed it and get out.